Course Description
Using standard stage weapons (unarmed, rapier/dagger, quarterstaff, broadsword, and knife), students improve reflexes, balance, strength, and form, and learn to safely execute stage fight choreography, with and without dialogue.
Athena Title
Staged Phys Violence Perform
Non-Traditional Format
Studio course consisting of solo, partnering, and group physical exercises. Class requirements will likely also include readings, discussions, rehearsal assignments, written assignments, original performance, and the viewing of live performance.
Prerequisite
THEA 7512
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The course serves as the fourth component in a four-semester graduate movement sequence. This class will have as some of it’s goals: (a) to hone the physical components (concentration, reflex, balance, ease, line/form, rhythm) necessary for the safe and efficient execution of stage combat choreography, (b) to learn how to absorb and execute fight choreography in ounterpoint to spoken text, and (c) to condition the body and mind to work as a single unit in scenes requiring combat elements. Each unit will move toward scenework-style application, with and/or without text.
Topical Outline
Every class will begin with a warmup consisting of physical elements drawn from established voice and movement systems (such as the Mao sequence, tai-chi, yoga, Pilates, Feldenkrais, modern dance, etc.) Exercises exploring major movement systems comprise the remainder of the class. As an example, possible major movement topics and elements may break down as follows: C. Conditioning 1. Extended exercises from dance, Pilates, and contact improvisation 2. Games (to hone physical components) D. Weapons 1. Unarmed combat 2. Rapier/Dagger 3. Broadsword 4. Knife 5. Quarterstaff